Kyudo Lessons

I’ll admit, I had this little fantasy that I was an undiscovered archery prodigy. I imagined that I would go to my archery lesson and the teacher would be astounded by my uncanny ability to hit the target on my first try. Humbled, he would ask me to move to Japan and become his star student.

So, it was a huge disappointment when we arrived at the dojo only to have the sensei frown on me – you see, it was unfathomable to him that I was not there to begin years of study. He confirmed with Luke several times that I would only be there once, shaking his head each time and asking again just to make sure, because to him, we sounded crazy. Crazy gaijin girl who just wants to “try” archery.

After his overcame his initial dismay, I was given a plastic handle with an elastic loop for practicing. Obviously, I was nervous – intimidated by the Zen Master, as it were – not to mention a tad disappointed. The bows were sitting right there, why couldn’t I use one of them?

As it turns out, most students practice with the plastic thingy for weeks before they’re allowed to use a real bow, so I guess I was fortunate that I was allowed to even set foot in the dojo.

As we practiced (minus the endless praise I had expected) other students arrived to pursue their study. They, of course, all used bows, bowing before the target each time they set up to shoot their arrows.

The sensei finally reconciled himself to the fact that I would only be there once, and decided that it would be okay if I practiced with a bow. I was very excited, seeing this as an indication that he believed me to be a fast learner, worthy of practicing with a bow my first try. Not really, though, I think he was just warming up to us and decided that it was his only chance to pass along this Zen art to an eager foreigner.

I was so excited, but my excitement was soon replaced by anxiety, as I could not seem to perform the movements correctly. The sensei kept talking to me and adjusting me while Luke rapidly translated – I was a bit overwhelmed. It’s an extremely difficult sport and I can now see why it takes years to learn and lifetimes to master. The only thing I can compare it to is golf. Everything has to be done perfectly and even if it feels like you’re doing it perfectly you never are. Very frustrating.

However, I continued to practice, as awkward and frustrated as I was. The sensei kept coming over and fixing my posture, lifting my elbow, drawing the bow further, etc. – a few times Luke was conversing with someone else and I had to respond to his instructions by myself. I think he was as frustrated as I was, because he knew I didn’t understand and he had no other way of explaining.

After a couple of hours, I was ready to leave, but it was clear we had to stay and finish the class. The other students were very nice, chatting with Luke while I fiddled with the bow. They even encouraged me to study archery back home. When I explained to them that there wasn’t anywhere to study where I lived, they suggested I go to New York, figuring it’s probably only an hour from my house.

I never did get to shoot an arrow, but it was good I got to try it – kyudo, that is. That’s the Japanese name. I think I forgot to mention that before.

At the end of the class, we joined the other students as they finished their practice, bowing to the small shrine on the wall and clapping their hands. I think if I lived in Japan, I would probably study archery – it was a good challenge, despite the Zen intimidation factor.

P.S. There’s no picture for this posting. Luke wanted to snap some photos, but I completely objected, fearing a scolding from the sensei.

Bows & Arrows

I am totally fascinated by archery. I don’t really know why, I just think it’s so badass. Last time I was in Miyakonojo, we visited the local history and culture museum, which is housed in what was the estate of a feudal lord, I think. Anyway, they had all these bows on display and I remember being so impressed by, one, their size, and two, their flawless craftsmanship. The Japanese do everything so perfectly and precisely, and the bows are no exception. After a few moments studying the contents of the display, I decided that I had to be an archer.

Archery is no small undertaking. It’s actually a Zen practice, so you don’t just “dabble” in it. But, it’s not like I really have a choice in my time commitment. I don’t live here and from what I know there’s not like an archery master hiding in the Vail Valley. So, I will just have one shot, if I get to do it at all.

I digress – we haven’t even gotten to the lesson part yet. But I got to do something equally as cool the other day – that is, visit the workshop where they make bows and arrows. This place is rad, and unfortunately, my camera battery died just a few minutes into our visit, so I don’t have many pictures. But, take my word for it – it was amazing.

Apparently, and I did not know this before, Miyakonojo is known for archery. So, this guy who makes the bows, as did his father before him, and his father before him and so on and so forth, sells his work all over the world.

His workshop housed an impressive collection of bows, all slightly different sizes, each with their own unique coloring and grip. The bows are quite large – basically my height. And their strength is measured by the tension of the string.

All bows are made with bamboo – the center layer fused on either side with some other kind of wood. It takes nearly half of a year to complete a bow because of the time it takes to bend the wood – it’s very gradual so that it curves and does not crack.

The string, which used to come from natural materials, is now usually synthetic, because the man-made materials are stronger.

Finished bows are stained or lacquered and the grip is fashioned from different colored leather. Sometimes there are tassels on the ends for decoration. They’re really quite beautiful – I think I would actually put mine on display if I had one. But, that’s the kicker. They cost around $1,000. Yikes! You can get cheaper bows, but the really nice competition pieces are pricey.

While we were at the workshop, I got to try holding the bow and drawing the string back. (I don’t know if I am even close on the terminology. I mean, “string,” that can’t be right!) It is really hard because you have to hold it up above your shoulders, so you can’t use the core of your body for strength. I’m told that it takes weeks to learn how to do this, but I still can’t wait to give it a try.